by Chung So

Local legislators honored Susan Kane, Ph.D., associate director of Beckman Research Institute, on Sept. 7 as the 2006 “Woman in Science and Technology.”

Kane, a professor of molecular medicine, received the award at the seventh annual Women in Business luncheon and awards ceremony in Burbank, Calif.

Sponsored by State Sen. Jack Scott, Assembly Majority Leader Dario Frommer and Assemblywoman Carol Liu, the Women in Business awards recognize outstanding women who empower others and contribute to the economic and community vitality of the region.

“Dr. Kane is an accomplished researcher, impressive role model and an inspiration to the scientific community,” said Arthur Riggs, Ph.D., Beckman Research Institute director. “We are extremely pleased that she is being acknowledged for her outstanding contributions to research and her commitment to the role of women in science.” 

Kane’s research interests include investigating cancer drug sensitivity and resistance and identifying potential therapies to attack cancers at the cellular level, including a possible new approach to treating breast cancers resistant to the chemotherapy drug Herceptin.

She was architect and founding director of City of Hope’s training program in breast cancer research and co-chairs City of Hope’s Task Force on Women in Science, which is studying gender equity among scientists at the institution. Kane also helps organize Girls’ Day in Science, an annual event that connects middle-school girls with college science instructors for hands-on workshops. She serves as a board member of Young & Healthy, a Pasadena nonprofit group that links underinsured and uninsured children to quality health-care providers in the area.

“I am honored to be the recipient of this prestigious award,” Kane said.  “I am especially thankful to Mary Donnelly-Crocker and Clyde Derrick at Young & Healthy for their support and nomination.”